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Category Archives: Weddings

Want to save money on your wedding? Choose in-season flowers!

Did you know that your favorite flower might cost you MORE money at a certain time of the year? That’s because flowers are seasonal. This means that certain flowers tend to bloom during certain seasons. Since that makes them more readily available during those times of year, it also means that they are cheaper during those times. If you choose a flower that is out-of-season, it means that it will most likely have to be flown in from out of the country, which is possible, but also raises the price significantly.

Now, this isn’t the case for every type of flower – there are, of course, some varieties that bloom all year round. However, it is important to consider the season of your wedding when choosing your wedding flowers because if you pick an out-of-season bloom, you could end up overpaying or going over budget.

Need help choosing in-season flowers?

Your florist is your best resource! Most florists know which flowers are in season and can guide you in your choices. Even if you show an inspiration photo using different flowers, they can almost always find similar ones that are in season. If there is a certain type of flower that you just HAVE to have but it is out of season, consider using it as an accent flower in your bouquet to lower costs.

Want to know what flowers are in season during the different months of the year? Check out this handy list for some quick ideas…

At this point in your wedding planning, your to-do list can be a tad bit overwhelming. Thankfully, the skilled wedding coordinators at Faulkner’s Ranch in Kansas City, MO have simplified the beginning steps for you to get you on the right track to making your dream day become a reality.

Photo by Elizabeth Ladean Photography

1. Set the Numbers

There are three main numbers that you will need to know before you begin searching for and touring venues.

Your Budget – This number vital to every decision that will be made in the time to come. Determine how much you would like/will be able to spend and how much of that amount you want to go to each aspect of your wedding.

Your Guest List – The main reason that you need to determine this number at the beginning of your planning is because you’ll need to know this when you book your venue, decide on your menu, order your invites, etc. Also keep in mind that this number may have to be adjusted according to your answer to the first question. Don’t forget to include your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, etc.) in this list. It’s also good idea to separate the list into A and B categories – A being guests that you absolutely must have; B being guests that if you have to narrow down the list, you could cut them.

Your Available Dates – Look at your calendars together and pick at least three possible dates that would work for your wedding. By having more than one date available when you contact your venue will ensure that you get a date in the books earlier on.

2. Determine the Style of Your Wedding

Sit down with your fiancé and talk about what your dream wedding day would look like. When you envision the look and feel of your wedding, what do you see?

Remember, you want your wedding to be reflective of you and your future spouse’s personal style. So take some time to sit down together and write down what different things you would each like to have in your wedding from decor to food to attire. Brides-To-Be, Pinterest is going to be your best friend! Begin saving images that you like and perhaps consider starting a wedding binder if you don’t want to bring your iPad or computer along. All of these images will come in handy when you meet with vendors, go dress shopping, etc.

Keep in mind, there are no hard and fast rules about what you can and can’t have in your wedding so be sure to include what you want. After all, it is a day to celebrate the commitment between the two of you so it should reflect that love!

3. Schedule Venue Tours

Now that you have the important numbers and the look/feel you are going for, it is time to schedule venue tours. Venue dates fill up early, so you want to check this off your list as soon as you can. Don’t delay reserving your venue spot!

Your choice of venue and what they provide will determine the rest of your to-do list. For example, at Faulkner’s Ranch, catering is included with our wedding packages so brides just need to select their menu. No need to search for a caterer. The same goes for a DJ. We work with the same DJ’s over and over again, not only because they are the best of the best, but because they know our venue inside out and we can guarantee that they know how to MC a fantastic reception.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to find a place for a wedding, so stay tuned for our next blog on what to ask and look for when you tour a potential venue!

Photo by Elizabeth Ladean Photography

So there you have it – the three simple things that you need to begin the process of planning your dream wedding! Trust us, we have coordinated hundreds of weddings and we know for a fact that if you get these things done in the beginning it will make the rest of the planning a breeze!

Of course, if you have any questions about having your Kansas City wedding at Faulkner’s Ranch, please give us a call at 816-761-5055 or visit the wedding section of our website.

One of the most common questions we hear at the Ranch is “How much is the bar going to cost?”

The short answer is “It depends.”

There are dozens of drink calculators and guides online that suggest how much to budget for alcohol at a wedding reception. Those estimates can range from 10-20% of the overall wedding budget. While you wouldn’t dream of asking guests to purchase their meals, hosting a bar is just as important. But the truth is, YOU know YOUR guests best.

Try putting together a simple spreadsheet. First highlight the number of guests who are old enough to drink. Then, in different colors, highlight the number of light, average, and heavy drinkers.

The general rule of thumb is that guests will drink 2-3 drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that on average. Apply this information to your spreadsheet along with the cost per drink for your venue to determine a cost estimate for the bar. Ask yourselves how much you are willing to spend and consider the following ways to make your budget go further:

Specify to the bartender whether you will want shots or doubles served. Providing drinks that way can add up quick!

Provide liquor during a Cocktail Hour only then switch to beer and wine during the reception.

Offer a limited batch of a Signature Drink. This is also another way to put your personal stamp on your special day.

Apply these ideas and you’ll have everyone raising their glasses to the happy couple!

Planning a wedding isn’t necessarily an easy task. That’s why when you have your wedding at Faulkner’s Ranch we do everything we can to make sure that your planning goes as smooth as possible.

In order to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our Five Favorite Wedding Planning Resources.

Enjoy!

1.

Why We Love It: This website literally has tools for everything you need to plan your wedding and keep it organized. In addition to the thousands of inspiration photos, there is a customizable timeline to keep you on track. This is definitely a great starting place for any bride-to-be!

2.

Why We Love It: This website is another great source for inspiration from flowers to dresses to cakes. And best of all, everything is local! This is a must-bookmark-site for anyone having a wedding in the Kansas City area!

3.

Why We Love It: This blog is the wedding blog of choice for any brides planning a rustic or country wedding. In addition to beautiful inspiration photos, it features DIY projects, etiquette advice, and helpful articles. There is also it’s sister site, Rustic Wedding Guide, which helps connect couples to the best rustic wedding vendors.

4.

Why We Love It: If you are looking for ideas and inspiration, Pinterest is the place to go! Just beware – you might get stuck on there for hours pinning your heart away! Another great advantage of Pinterest? It helps keep your inspiration ideas in one place. Just be sure to make a “secret board” if you want to keep them a surprise before your big day.

5.

There is a reason why we do this professionally. We love putting on top-knotch events. Our event coordinators can point you to the best of the best based for whatever you are looking for. We are connected with the Kansas City’s best DJ’s, florists, and entertainers in the business. Just ask and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction of our preferred vendors!